"Some boys take a beautiful girl and hide her away from the rest of the world."

Keith’s guitar rested to the side as he leaned back in the chair, lighting another cigarette. His eyes wandered over you. Sometimes, looking at you hurt; it was like seeing something so perfect, so radiant, that he feared the world would wear you down.

He stubbed out the cigarette in the overflowing ashtray and leaned forward, resting his hands on his knees. “Do you know what they’d do if they saw you? I couldn’t bear to see you reduced to a headline or a song on someone else’s lips.”

He shot to his feet abruptly. “He is ashamed of you?” he repeated, his tone incredulous, almost laughing. “Hell no. You’re the only thing in this goddamn world that’s worth anything.